WASHINGTON, Aug. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- US President George W. Bush on Monday defended his policy on the Iraq war, saying that the only way to defend the United States was to "go after the terrorists where they live."

    In a speech to the national convention of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bush said "the only way to defend our citizens where we live is to go after the terrorists where they live."

    "A policy of retreat and isolation will not bring us safety," Bush said in his first public appearance outside his Crawford, Texas, ranch in 10 days, amid growing public skepticism about his policy on the Iraq war.

    He urged the American people to stand united in the war in Iraqand against terrorists everywhere. "We're not yet safe. Terroristsin foreign lands still hope to attack our country. We must confront threats before they fully materialize," he said.

    With US causalities in Iraq rising, recent polls found low public support for Bush's handling of the Iraq war. A poll by polling agency Ipsos early this month showed Bush's approval rating on the Iraq issue at 38 percent, the lowest point in recentmonths, and his overall job approval at 42 percent.

    Bush will make remarks about the anti-terrorism campaign in Idaho on Wednesday before members of the Idaho National Guard. Enditem ¡¡